The Cologne Crocodiles (4-3) will host the Potsdam Royals (6-1) in this highly anticipated rematch of top GFL North teams.
This game features contrasting styles as Cologne is one of the league’s top passing offenses while Potsdam boasts of the top-ranked running attack. These two teams met back on June 26th with the Royals winning handily 31-7.
Potsdam’s secondary of Kevin Fortes and Abu Daramy Swaray should slow down a dangerous core of Cologne receivers. The Royal’s secondary creates a must-watch matchup with two excellent Crocodiles’ receivers in Markell Castle and Aaron Jackson. Potsdam’s pass defense ranks second in the league giving up only 162 yards a game. In the trenches, the Royals pass rush will need a big game to disrupt quarterback Christian Strong at home. Expect OJ Thompson and Malcolm Engstrom to be flying off the edge eager to add to their sack totals.
Potsdam Royals @ Cologne Crocodiles 15:00 CET (3pm, 9am)
The Royals offense is averaging an impressive 263 yards rushing per game. Their bell cow back Jake Mayon crossed the thousand-yard mark lasting week putting his total at leading the league by a large margin. If Mayon continues his success on the ground today expect the passing game to open up for quarterback PJ Settles. Settles has used play-action well this season connecting with receivers Michael Breuler and Aymeric Nicault often. Fans can anticipate Potsdam’s offensive line to play well again today as the unit has recently added Former Seattle Seahawks lineman Kristjan Sokoli bolsters an already impressive unit upfront.
Cologne’s high-flying offense is led by its Canadian quarterback Christian Strong. Strong is averaging 334 yards a game good for second in the league. The Seton Hill (NCAA D2) product has been able to connect with a duo of receivers in Markell Caste and Aaron Jackson. The two American receivers have combined for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, making them far and away Germany’s best receiver duo. Expect Strong to be targeting his two most reliable weapons early and often today in what should be a close game.
Last week however the pass-happy Crocodiles ran for 150 yards against Kiel. Expect Dean Tanwani and Sergj Kendus to see some carries again today after last week’s success.
Defensive backs Emory Polley and Dejvion Stewart have the tough task of slowing down Jake Mayon and a physical Potsdam running game. Outside linebacker Martin Pinter is a key player to watch on this defense. Pinter has put up impressive stats notching five sacks and 15 tackles for a loss. The Crocodile’s defensive line has to control the line of scrimmage to avoid another big game from the Royals run game.
This matchup features two very talented offenses with contrasting styles, one succeeding through a potent passing attack while the other physically dominates its opponents on the ground. Expect the Crocodiles to be fired up today as they look to get payback from their loss in Potsdam in late June. Across the field, the Royals expect to win today and keep their momentum going heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Watch the game live here: Potsdam Royals @ Cologne Crocodiles 15:00 CET (3pm, 9am)
Potsdam Royals roster
Cologne Crocodiles roster
